Washington, July 25: US President Donald Trump has said that Iran wants to reach a deal with the United States but is “not ready” to do so at present, while reiterating that Washington will not allow Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon.
Speaking at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) Dinner on Friday (local time), Trump said his administration was handling the situation with Iran and dismissed media reports suggesting otherwise.”It is all going well. Don’t believe the fake news,” Trump said.
The US President claimed that American military operations had significantly reduced Iran’s military capabilities. According to Trump, Iran’s Navy and Air Force had suffered major losses, with several aircraft and naval vessels destroyed.
He also said that Iran was engaged in discussions with the United States and expressed interest in a negotiated settlement.”They would love to make a deal. I don’t think they are ready to. I don’t think it is time yet, but I am willing to listen. They cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, reaffirming that the United States would not permit Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
Earlier, while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said his administration was considering two possible approaches to the conflict. He said Washington could continue military operations to further weaken Iran’s capabilities or pursue a diplomatic agreement if conditions become favourable.”There is a military option where we continue as we are, or there is a strategy where you make a deal. They want to make a deal, but I do not think they are ready yet,” he said.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have increased following the collapse of a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed last month to reduce hostilities and facilitate negotiations, including discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz.
Following the breakdown of the agreement, both countries have exchanged military strikes, with the United States targeting Iranian military and civilian assets, while Iran has launched retaliatory attacks on American bases across the Gulf.